Highlights from the Latin Alternative Music Conference
By: Nuria Net
The best thing about attending the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) is that you’re bound to be surprised by the abundance of new talent. For the past 12 years, the LAMC has brought together the best independent artists from Latin America and Spain and their fans for a packed 4-day marathon of concerts, showcases, panels, networking and lots of parties and after-parties.
This year was no different, with more than 1,000 attendees from all over the globe descending upon New York City to see bands as varied as Hello Seahorse! (Mexico), Francisca Valenzuela (Chile), and No Te Va Gustar (Uruguay). The notion of “Latin alternative” keeps expanding. Nowadays, it means any genre played by Latinos that is non-commercial (rock, electronic, reggae, hip hop), regardless of language or style.
There were too many great performers at this year’s LAMC to name them all, but here are 5 who especially stood out.
She’s a novelist, a screenwriter, and plays a stylized take on mambo (street merengue) with punk and reggae. This Dominican artist is quickly becoming an ídola for her clever lyrics, her fierce attitude and originality.
One of the most talked-about acts at this year’s LAMC. The Venezuelan band have a very curated look and style (they dress in white and splatter multi-colored paint all over themselves) and are social media masters who have a dedicated following.
A lot of promising talent coming out of Venezuela! This hip-hop group wowed the audience at a showcase at the Bowery Ballroom on Thursday, July 7 with their tight flow and socially-conscious lyrics they call “criollo rap.”
Remember her name; you’ll be hearing a lot from this tiny singer-songwriter with an amazing voice. Originally from Guatemala, Gaby surprised many at this year’s LAMC. Random fact: she co-wrote the theme song for the Parks and Recreation TV show.
Their filled-to-capacity headlining concert at Central Park’s SummerStage on Saturday, July 9th, consolidated the Colombian trio as one of the few truly breakthrough Latin American acts of the past couple of years. The hip hop group from the Pacific region of Chocó incorporate traditional rhythms and sing of being proud of their Afro-Colombian heritage coupled with energetic, danceable beats and positive vibes.
